DoorWorthy

Who needs a zoning approval and certificate of occupancy in Alabama?

Issued by Your city or county building and zoning departments; the State Fire Marshal for places of assembly where the city has no inspector, at step 3 of 6 in the opening sequence: approve the space.

Every kind of business in Alabama

The Alabama table lists this for every kind of business.

Alabama adopts its commercial building and fire codes city by city, so confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use needs building permits and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes before the health permit, the city license and the liquor license. Outside a city with its own inspector, the State Fire Marshal inspects places of assembly such as restaurants and bars.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 3 of 6: Approve the space

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Your city or county building and zoning departments; the State Fire Marshal for places of assembly where the city has no inspector.

Sources and dates

Municipal zoning and building ordinances; State Fire Marshal (Alabama Department of Insurance) inspection pages. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.